Hidden Dangers for Kids Online: Why Online Safety Is Now a Parenting Skill

In this powerful episode of The Smarter Online Safety Podcast, host Jocelyn King sits down with cybersecurity advisor and mental health advocate Kelvin Green for a timely conversation in honor of Children’s Mental Health Week. Kelvin, a Navy veteran and co-founder of CyberSec & I, opens up about his own journey growing up with undiagnosed special needs and how it fuels his passion to protect today's youth—especially those most vulnerable—online. From identity theft to unsafe apps, he breaks down the real-world risks children face in the digital age and gives practical, easy-to-follow tips for parents, educators, and caregivers. You’ll learn: Why children with special needs are more likely to be targeted online The critical role of parental modeling and digital hygiene How to gamify online safety using birthday-based “freedom milestones” Steps every parent should take to monitor and protect their child’s identity How to build trust and open communication about digital life at home Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or concerned adult, this episode is packed with essential insights that will empower you to help the kids in your life navigate the online world more safely and confidently.